Uniformed Services retiree program

On October 1, 2001 the Department of Defense implemented TRICARE for Life (TFL). TRICARE for Life provides expanded medical coverage for: Medicare-eligible uniformed services retirees, including retired National Guard members and reservists; Medicare-eligible family members and widows/widowers; and certain former spouses if they were eligible for TRICARE before age 65. To be eligible for TFL you must be over 65 and have Medicare Part A and B to your coverage.

You get all Medicare-covered benefits as well as TFL-covered benefits as you would under the Original Medicare Plan if you are eligible. When you are using a provider that is Medicare based then Medicare will pay first and TFL second. All co-payments and deductibles required by Medicare will be paid by TFL as well as the costs of certain care that Medicare does not offer.

Note:
If Medicare is the only one to offer a service like chiropractic care you will be responsible for anything not paid to the provider by Medicare.

The same goes for a service provided only by TRICARE, such as certain prescription drugs, you would be responsible for anything not paid by TRICARE. Using a Medicare provider will be a big part of the amounts that TRICARE or Medicare will pay for a service.